N-Lock Bicycle Lock Review: Innovative lock to keep your bike safe. We review the N-lock that promises a secure lock but also a space saver for storage and ease of transport. Read more on our review of this innovative bike product.
Introduction to Reviewer
I have been riding bikes since before I care to remember, my first memory is cycling across the playground to nursery and forty years later I still cycle as much as I can. I try to use a bicycle wherever possible instead of a car. So, when I was asked about testing a new system for bike security my interest was piqued.
Introduction to N-Lock Bike Locks
I had never heard of N-Lock before, but a quick look at their website showed me an innovative product to make commuting by bike much easier.
The N-Lock solution replaces a conventional handlebar stem with a lockable stem. This lockable stem allows the handlebars to be “locked” in a twisted position making it impossible to ride.
N-lock has been around and proven itself for several years and this year with Cycloid (parent company) is expanding with a broader range of urban gear. N-lock is also ideal for fleet sharing bicycles and family bicycles like cargo bicycles where it makes it easier to just turn a key and the bike is safe from anyone riding it away. N-lock has a unique patented mechanism that requires two hands to activate therefore avoiding any accidental release.
Find out more on their homepage www.n-lock.com
First Impressions of N-Lock
I have a range of bicycles, of course who hasn’t. I decided to put the N-lock on my hybrid that I use for commuting, shopping, family rides etc. When it arrived, I opened the box to see a stem that looked just like any other stem, except this has a lock built into the side. This in no way takes anything away from the aesthetic value of the front end of the bike and is not a heavy added weight.
Fitting the N-Lock Bike Lock
I am a competent amateur mechanic and have fitted stems before so did not anticipate any problems with this. An hour later and I could not for the life of me figure out why the stem would not fit correctly. It all looked like a perfectly normal stem with the usual fittings. Cue a call to my friend, a professional bike mechanic, and he popped over to give me hand. He soon figured out the problem. We had to remove the star shaped nut and replace it with a different size one, and then I was away. Included in the box was a piece that looks like it would fit on to a ‘Dutch’ style bicycle if needed.
Testing the N-Lock on a Hybrid Bike
I use the bike regularly but wanted to do something that would really test it out, Christmas shopping! I had several shops to go to and would therefore be locking and unlocking quite a lot. This proved to be extremely easy. Twist the key located at the side of the stem and turn the stem to the side. Now the bike has become impossible to ride. With the cable provided that runs through the handlebar to create extra security I was happy to leave my bike and carry out my shopping.
As well as being a security device, with the stem being able to fold to one side means you can lean your bicycle flat against a wall or rack. Giving you more room in cramped conditions. This is also especially useful when putting bikes on a vehicle rack, as I do regularly. I have a 4-bike rack on my campervan for my family’s bikes and this usually takes a bit careful organising but with the N-Lock I now have more room.
Summary of N-Lock Bicycle Lock Review
So, despite an initial fiddle to get set up, once this was complete, I have to say that the N-Lock stem is rather ingenious and will be on my family/commuter bike for the foreseeable future. I feel safe leaving bike outside shops and certainly happy with the N-Lock bike lock.
Best Price for the N-Lock Bike Lock
Buy the N-Lock Bike Lock direct from N-Lock for 105 EUR
SAFE FROM THEFT
SPACE SAVING
EASY TRANSPORT
N-Lock Comments following review
Thank you very much. Also for pointing out where we should improve.
The starnut irritating Sam is following the N-Lock and secured to the lock, but is rarely used as there normally already is one on the bike. We will put it loose in the box in the future.
Also see that we are to emphasize more that installation manuals are available both as QR code on the box, on Youtube and our homepage.
– N-lock is also ideal for fleet sharing bicycles and family bicycles like cargo bicycles where it makes it easier to just turn a key and the bike is safe from anyone riding it away.
– N-lock has a unique patented mechanism that requires two hands to activate therefore avoiding any accidental release.
